10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA. 02116-3968
Voice: 617-973-7100, Fax: 617-973-8855,
TDD: 671-973-7089, E-mail: AACT@ctps.org
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
AACT Meeting Minutes
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to Interim Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 617-973-7507 (voice); 617-973-7089 (TTY); 617-973-8855 (fax); or at AACT@ctps.org (email).
Members needing service information or wanting to inquire about
MBTA services should do so through the MBTA Marketing and Communications
Department at 617-222-3200 or
800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and
Sat/Sun from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or the MBTA website at www.mbta.com/customer_support/feedback/.
AACT has a page on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning
Organization’s website at www.bostonmpo.org;
click on AACT. Links can be found there for the following items:
agendas, upcoming meetings, past meeting minutes, the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, and the AACT bylaws, the AACT
brochure, and ADA regulations. There are also links to the MPO’s newsletter, TRANSreport, the MBTA’s Office for
Transportation Access, and the AACT Coordinator.
The Boston Region Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) meetings are conducted in accessible locations, and
materials can be provided in accessible formats and in languages other than
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contact the MPO at 617-973-7100 (voice), 617-973-8855 (fax), 617-973-7089
(TTY), or publicinformation@bostonmpo.org (email).
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Ian Perrault, James White, Tyler Terrasi, Rick Morin, Angela Manerson, Barbara Garlington, Allen Karon, Kathryn Piccard, Margaret Crowdis, Viola Thacker, and Ellen Frith
Daniel Amstutz and Janie
Guion
Mary Ainsley, Mike
Hulak, Carol Joyce-Harrington, and Kathy Cox
John Tuttle – Veterans Transportation, LLC
Jackie Dunlop – Greater Lynn Senior Services
Claire DiPillo – The Joint Venture of Thompson Transit and YCN, LLC
Gilbane Company:
Elizabeth Arpino and Michael Landry
Interim Chairman James White called the meeting to order at 1:05 pm
Members, friends and guests introduced themselves
Interim Chairman (IC) White reported:
He met on July 6th with MBTA Acting General Manager Davis and Special Assistant Mike Lambert.
· There will be a September presentation by the Innovative Paradigms vendor for THE RIDE In-Person Assessment Program
· Special Assistant Lambert suggested that the AACT Executive Board not meet separately from the full membership
· The MBTA is in discussion with the cities of Boston and Cambridge on the Taxi Subsidy Program
· THE RIDE No-Show Policy:
o IC White is not sure if process is legal by ADA standard and that he would be hard-pressed to support such a policy since people with disabilities have so many medical issues
o He also stated that consumers will be advised of free medical transportation through Mass Health Standards
o He informed members that the use of the free RIDE Charlie Card Program may not be expanded
He is looking forward to meeting monthly with Special Assistant Lambert and possibly quarterly with Acting GM Davis in order to know policy changes ahead of time that may affect the disability community.
He briefed members on the MBTA Board of Directors meeting in June attended by AACT Board member Ian Perrault (see attached).
He then asked for questions.
K. Piccard commented
that she did not agree with the information on rides to medical appointments in
IC White’s report. She suggested that THE RIDE subscribers should inquire into
the details of free medical transportation carefully.
K. Piccard suggested to IC White that the idea to combine the
membership meeting with the Executive Board should have been brought to a vote
by the membership. She also stated that maybe the membership should be included
in part of the discussion.
IC White **stated
that there are a number of issues that the AACT Board members discuss in detail
that it makes it necessary to have separate meetings.
**Executive
Board meetings are open to all members of AACT. They are also open to the
public.
Meeting Minutes for AACT on June 27th were presented and approved with corrections
On page 3, line 4
Allen Karon said
his surname was misspelled; it
should be Karon
Mary Ainsely, MBTA Senior Director of Design and Construction presented an overview of the Green Line Extension (GLE) with design handouts (see attachments).
· Improve regional air quality
· Improve corridor mobility and regional access
· Boost transit ridership
· The GLE begins at
the intersection of Land Boulevard and Monsignor O’Brien Hwy in Cambridge at
the existing Green Line Viaduct north of Science Park Station
· There will be a total of seven stations which will all have universal design with the same path-of-travel from the entrance of the station to the platform
Expected completion of the entire project is between 2018 and 2020
She then asked for questions.
K. Piccard shared
her concerns that the station designs have some safeguard for persons using
wheeled mobility devices (WMD) so they too will be protected from bicycles that
may block their path-of-travel. She stated that this may obstruct persons with
WMD from entering and exiting stations safely.
M. Ainsley stated that due to the design of the stations there would be no need for bicycles to be in the station area.
M. Crowdis commented that all fare gates should be accessible to the public. She also asked if there will be an escalator going downward.
M. Ainsley stated that the goal is to have all universally accessible gates available to everyone. She also stated that all escalators will be going upward. There is not enough room for a second escalator going downward but the elevator will be available for persons going down.
K. Piccard commented that she would like to see rubber type handles on the outer entrance of all MBTA station restroom doors. She also suggested that the wheelchair accessible stall doors swing out and that there be some type of accessible handle designed especially for persons who have limited use of their extremities for easy closure and exit.
M. Ainsley thanked her for the comments.
K. Cox stated that in the past, some MBTA stations had gates that were inaccessible. Only the wider gates were accessible. Now most updated stations have all gates accessible to accept all fare cards.
M. Ainsley recommended
that members take a look at the station designs that she placed on the wall.
She also asked that she be contacted with questions and that she would return at
AACT’s request to discuss the designs when they are at 60 percent design stage completion.
Kathy Cox, Manager for Fixed Route Services presented the SWA /Fixed Route Services report for Larry Haile, Coordinator for SWA (see attached)
She stated the following:
A paid focus group for persons with low-vision will be taking place on Wednesday and Thursday at Focus Point in Downtown Boston.
She announced that today’s AACT meeting would be her last since she will be retiring from the MBTA on Tuesday, July 31st. She stated that after twenty-three years of service she had some parting words (please see attached).
She shared with members her early years (1980s and 1990s) at the MBTA. She stated that in past years persons who wanted the accessible fixed route transportation would phone the “Call-A-Life Bus Program.” The reservations would need to be done prior to 1 PM for the next-day service. It was her responsibility to coordinate the buses and make sure that they were at the right stop at the right time.
At the passage and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) she assisted the MBTA Operations Department with ADA passenger assistance training five days a week until the entire workforce was trained.
Ms. Cox stated that she is confident that with AACT’s continuing diligence, the youthful energy and enthusiasm of the “next generation” of colleagues she leaves behind, and the ongoing support of management throughout the MBTA that one day the goal of 100 percent accessibility will be reached.
She thanked the members of AACT and was
presented with a huge bouquet of red roses on behalf of the AACT membership.
She then asked for questions.
E.
Frith extended good wishes
to Ms. Cox on her retirement.
She asked for an update on the opening of the Porter Square elevator. She also stated that she is not getting help from commuter rail personnel to get on or off trains safely.
Ms. Cox thanked Ms. Frith for the good wishes. She then stated that the elevator would be back in use at the end of the summer.
IC White thanked Ms. Cox for her report and wished her well on her new phase of life.
Mike Hulak, Manager for THE RIDE presented the report for Frank Oglesby, MBTA Deputy Director of Paratransit Operations – OTA, THE RIDE (reports attached).
Mr. Hulak distributed the June 2012 reports for THE RIDE and stated the following:
He expressed appreciation of the organizational operation for the transportation to the 2012 July 4thconcert. This was coordinated by John Tuttle and staff of Veterans Transportation, as well as staff from Greater Lynn Senior Services and the Joint Venture of Thompson Transit. Everyone has once again performed a very good job.
Kudos to the vendor staff and National Guard for moving the concert goers out of the path of a storm twice during the concert without incident to waiting MBTA vehicles that was on stand-by.
As of July 1st THE RIDE subscribers have fallen off by 1,000 per a day.
He then asked for questions.
K. Piccard asked what percentage is the one-thousand fewer riders in the first twenty days.
M. Hulak stated it was roughly thirteen percent. He said that the number should not be used as an accurate figure since there are many variables for the decline. He also noted that the number of riders is being monitored.
M Crowdis asked if he knew the reason for the drop. She also suggested that a survey be sent to subscribers asking their reason for not taking THE RIDE. She also noted that there are fewer members here today than in previous meetings. She asked Mr. Hulak to find out if the MBTA can offer free rides to subscribers who attend AACT meetings.
M. Hulak noted the survey possibility and that there could be many variables for the drop in the ridership: vacation, weather, or the fare increase. He stated that he did not know if the MBTA was in a position to offer free rides at this time.
IC White stated that he asked the Acting General Manager Davis over a month ago about free rides to subscribers who participate in AACT or other MBTA activities. He states that there has been no word since.
R. Morin asked if the one-thousand fewer subscribers were off compared to last year. He also asked if he knew how the entire system was doing since the new fare increase.
M. Hulak stated it is relatively close to last year’s figure.
IC White asked if Fixed Route had had a significant increase in ridership since the fare increase.
K. Cox stated that she would do research.
IC White spoke with M. Lambert regarding two issues: (1) the number of hours a subscriber is kept on THE RIDE vehicle, in some cases more than two or four hours. He went on to say that this should not be happening. 2) He also noted that vendors should not have trainees working during rush hour. He stated that subscribers’ time should not be sacrificed at the hands of an inexperienced trainee. The subscribers are being inconvenienced at double the fare.
M. Hulak stated that he agreed and that they will do their best to limit the impact. He also commented that the MBTA has concerns about the “transport chair.” He stated that the MBTA asked for a ruling from the Federal Transit Administration which stated the chair does meet the guidelines. He stated that they would offer the person a more stationary chair for their safety, but they cannot insist that the person take it.
IC White stated that he felt strongly about warning the membership of the danger in this type of chair and advised subscribers not to use a “transport chair” outside of their home, for personal safety.
K. Piccard asked for comments on the Ford Transit Connect (FTC) vehicle that was viewed by OTA staff.
M. Hulak stated that they were recently looking into this vehicle and that nothing had been decided on. He stated that Ford has stopped making the Crown Victoria. The MBTA is looking at the FTC vehicle for fuel efficiency and not as an accessible vehicle. This vehicle may replace the MBTA fleet of vehicles due to its fuel efficiency. He assured the membership that his office would not do anything without informing AACT.
IC White asked if the MBTA had considered the MV One vehicle.
M Hulak stated yes, they had knowledge of the MV One; it costs twice as much as the FTC and it has poor fuel efficiency, and noted that the FTC has good fuel efficiency.
M. Hulak congratulated Ms. Cox on her retirement and thanked her for all her assistance over the years and wished her the best of luck.
M. Cox thanked Mr. Hulak for the kind words.
IC White thanked Mr. Hulak for his report.
IC White made a request to all
vendors to refrain from training drivers during the peak rush hour.
Claire DiPillo, Manager for the Joint Venture, distributed her report and announced their Passenger Assistance Training (PAT) classes and stated that the schedule is included in the handout.
She then asked for questions. There were none.
IC White thanked Ms. DiPillo for her report.
Jackie Dunlop, Director of Transportation, distributed her report and announced their PAT classes and stated that the schedule is included in the handout.
She then asked for questions.
There were none.
IC White thanked Ms. Dunlop for her report.
John Tuttle, Operations Manager, distributed his report and announced their PAT classes and stated that the schedule is included in the handout.
He then asked for questions. There were none.
IC White thanked Mr. Tuttle for his report.
IC White announced that Harvard Dental School would be hosting a free dental clinic on August 4th, from 9 AM to 1PM appointments only on a first come, first served basis. The contact number is 617-665-3990.
M. Crowdis stated her concerns that the bus schedule from the Salem train station to Lynn was changed. When she arrived at the connection in Lynn for Boston the bus had departed. She states that there should be more buses that run every twenty minutes. She also stated that the bus schedules should not be printed with shaded gray areas that impact people with low-vision. She also addressed her concern that the buses at Wonderland are at a distance of one-hundred fifty feet away from the entrance. She commented that while walking toward the stop the bus will leave right in front of you. She would like to see the bus pick up area moved closer to the entrance. She also stated she has made numerous attempts to file her complaint at the Customer Service Department on the 800 line but no one answered her call.
IC White commented that the procedure for suggestions and complaints at the MBTA Customer Service line, 617-222-3200, is to file a formal complaint on the issues you have just shared.
E. Frith commented that she is having difficulty exiting and or entering buses in Somerville and Cambridge. She stated that the stops are cluttered with newspaper boxes. Also that there is more clutter with U.S. Postal Service boxes, trash bins, bikes and motorcycles at the stops. She also noted that commercial and police vehicles continue to park at the stops. She would like for AACT to draft a letter that states that no vehicles should ever park in MBTA bus stop. She also stated that when she phones the Customer Service number it continually rings for twenty minutes and no one responds to her call. She also would like to have accessible elevator signage in train stations. She states that it is very difficult to locate elevators.
IC White stated that AACT has no control over where the boxes or any other items can be located in cities or towns. He suggested that she call the Transit Police for assistance. AACT can only make recommendations to the MBTA. He also directed her to contact her Congressman, State Senator or Representative.
E. Frith asked if there was any bus stop documentation.
K Piccard stated that she is in full agreement with the IC White. She went on to say that AACT is an advisory group to the MBTA. She also stated that it would not be proper for AACT to write any town. She states that since AACT is an advisory group to the MBTA it should draft a letter to the MBTA Board and state the concerns of MBTA customers. She stated that the letter should have a specific context for the request. She would like to vote on this issue of sending a letter to the MBTA Board at the August meeting.
IC White stated the she should contact the Customer Service Department at 617-222-3200 and file a formal complaint to make sure there is documentation filed before AACT can take any action. Have the Department send a copy of her complaint to AACT Board.
A. Manerson asked who would be replacing Ms. Cox in SWA. She too congratulated her on her retirement.
K Cox commented that Larry Haile is in place now doing her job. She stated that she is not sure if her job would be posted. She did mention the fact that they are still waiting the arrival of the new Assistant General Manager for System-Wide Accessibility (AGMSWA).
IC White stated that he would like to invite the new AGMSWA to speak at an AACT meeting.
K. Cox stated that at a meeting in June, Judge Patrick King announced that the new AGMSWA would be starting in July.
E. Frith comment that a call to report complaints to customer service can take up to twenty minutes. She is looking for guidance on how to address the issue.
IC White suggested that she address all the issues she has brought up here today in her complaint to the Customer Service Department. She was also directed to contact the Director, Ms. Carla Howze, if she is not getting any response.
E. Frith inquired about who is responsible for the bus stop sign replacement.
K. Cox said the MBTA has a crew that replaces all signs.
IC White asked for an update on replacement bus stop signs with the $100 fine addition.
K. Cox said that signs are being replaced when signs are reported missing.
E. Frith asked for a contact person regarding signs that are not far enough apart for the bus to pull into the stop.
K. Cox recommended she talk with the speaker at next month meeting.
IC White announced that the City of Boston will have a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new accessible asphalt surface that will be an easier path-of-travel for persons with canes, walkers, and wheeled mobility devices. This smooth entrance is from Cambridge Street to the steps of Boston City Hall.
K. Piccard asked for a summary of the AACT treasury report.
IC White stated that the account has $1,995.95.
IC White
thanked Daniel Amstutz for helping with
the microphone today.
The meeting ended at
3:00 pm.